Australian households face a postcode lottery when it comes to energy costs and the ability to electrify their homes, according to a critical new national scorecard released by the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) on Thursday, 30 September 2026. The 54-page report, funded by Energy Consumers Australia, highlights significant disparities in state and territory government policies, leaving consumers in some regions with higher bills and limited pathways to energy savings.
While the ACT, Victoria, and New South Wales emerged as leaders in supporting households through the energy transition, states like Queensland and the Northern Territory are lagging significantly, offering fewer incentives and initiatives to cut costs.
State-by-State Performance: Who’s Leading, Who’s Lagging?
The EEC’s comprehensive analysis rated household energy policies across Australia, revealing a fragmented national approach. No state or territory achieved a perfect score, indicating widespread opportunities for improvement.
| State/Territory | Overall Ranking | Key Strengths | Key Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT | 1st | Rebates, low-interest loans, home upgrade advice, strong energy efficiency standards. | Opportunities to boost energy performance |
| Victoria | 2nd (1st for electrification) | Policies requiring gas appliance replacement in new and rental properties, end to new gas connections. | Opportunities to boost energy performance, demand shifting strategies |
| New South Wales | 3rd | Strong policies in some areas | Absence of a clear plan to phase out gas use. |
| South Australia | Mid-tier | Strong support for virtual power plants | Lacked a home energy ratings scheme. |
| Queensland | Lagging | Limited | No policies to phase out gas, no home energy ratings disclosure, no rebates or incentives for household electrification. |
| Northern Territory | Lagging | Limited | No policies to phase out gas, no home energy ratings disclosure, no rebates or incentives for household electrification. |
Victoria, for instance, secured the highest score for household electrification due to its proactive policies on gas appliance replacement in new and rental properties, alongside a commitment to ending new gas connections. In contrast, Queensland and the Northern Territory were criticised for offering no rebates or incentive schemes for household electrification and lacking policies to phase out gas or disclose home energy ratings.
Direct Impact on Your Wallet and Renters
The report underscores that these policy inconsistencies directly translate into varying financial burdens for Australian households. Consumers in states with less supportive policies are missing out on significant savings that could be achieved through electrification and improved energy efficiency.
“There is an urgent need for some states to step up their efforts in supporting households to respond to the cost-of-living crisis.” — Luke Menzel, Chief Executive, Energy Efficiency Council.
Renters, in particular, face substantial barriers. Often residing in older, poorly insulated housing with a reliance on expensive gas appliances, they are largely powerless to implement changes that would reduce their energy consumption and bills. This situation is exacerbated by broader financial pressures, including recent interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank and climbing petrol and diesel prices, making energy costs a critical concern for many Australian families.
Opportunities for Improvement and National Consistency
The EEC report serves as a stark reminder that while the energy transition is underway, its benefits are not being evenly distributed. The Council’s chief executive, Luke Menzel, noted that even the leading states have “major opportunities” to enhance their strategies, particularly in shifting energy demand to off-peak periods.
The findings highlight the urgent need for a more coordinated national approach to energy policy. Without consistent frameworks, households in certain jurisdictions will continue to face unnecessarily high energy bills and reduced access to the benefits of a cleaner, more affordable energy system. Policies promoting home electrification and energy efficiency, such as those detailed in our guide, Electrify Your Home in 2026: Real Costs, Rebates & Savings Up to $15,000+, could offer substantial relief if implemented more broadly. Furthermore, a unified approach to energy rebates, as explored in Your 2026 Guide: Claim Up To $15,000 in Energy Rebates Across Australia, could ensure equitable access to financial support across the country.
The report urges governments to address these gaps proactively, ensuring all Australians can participate in and benefit from the ongoing energy transformation, ultimately leading to more resilient and affordable energy for everyone. For those struggling with current costs, understanding available support is crucial, as outlined in Navigating Australia’s Energy Bill Relief and Support in 2026: A Comprehensive Guide.